Amazing Baked Ziti with Ground Beef in 8 steps

There is nothing in the world quite like that feeling when you pull a steaming, bubbly casserole dish out of the oven. It just smells like home, doesn’t it? For me, that smell is always tied to my mom serving up her famous Baked Ziti with Ground Beef. Seriously, the savory scent of that rich marinara mixed with tons of warm, gooey cheese—it’s pure magic. This hearty recipe is exactly what busy families need for dinner tonight, and the best part is how adaptable it is! When we found out my youngest son couldn’t have gluten, my heart sank, but we adapted! I learned how to make this comfort food work with GF pasta, and now we all enjoy that timeless warmth. You absolutely have to try this ultimate, cheesy baked pasta.

Why This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is Your New Family Favorite

This isn’t just another pasta bake, trust me. It’s the one you’ll remember and return to again and again because it meets you right where you are—whether you’re slammed on a Tuesday or need a dish for the big game. It’s truly satisfying!

Quick Prep for Busy Weeknights

We’re talking only 20 minutes of actual active work before it heads into the oven. You can get the sauce going while the water boils for the pasta. It’s fast, so you can spend less time stirring and more time with the little monsters!

Adaptable for Dietary Needs

Because I’ve had to get creative in my own kitchen, I always make sure this recipe offers total flexibility. Swapping out the noodles for your favorite gluten-free blend is super simple. You don’t lose any of that essential flavor or texture, which is key when you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions. Check out more about my food journey if you’re curious!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

When you’re making a dish this classic, the quality of the ingredients really shines through. I’ve laid out everything you need below, broken down by what goes where. Don’t stress too much; we are going for flavor, not perfection here!

For the Hearty Meat Sauce

• We start with a mix: one pound of good Italian sausage and one pound of ground beef. That combination gives the sauce depth you just can’t get from one meat alone.
• Don’t forget the aromatics—a diced large onion and three minced garlic cloves cooked in olive oil until they smell amazing. That’s where the base flavor sets up!
• For the tomatoes, grab one 28 oz. can of whole tomatoes, making sure to include all that wonderful juice. Then, use two 14.5 oz. cans of simple tomato sauce or marinara—whatever you have on hand works great here.
• Season generously! I always use 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and a good pinch of red pepper flakes for a little background warmth.

For the Pasta and Cheese Mixture

This is where the richness happens! You’ll need 16 ounces of ziti or even penne. The critical thing here is to cook your pasta until it’s not quite al dente—it needs to be slightly firm because it’s going to finish cooking in the oven. If it’s soft now, it will be mush later! Don’t forget to rinse it with cool water after draining to stop the cooking process right away.

For the cheese, we mix 15 oz. of whole milk ricotta, half a cup of parmesan, and one egg. That egg is the secret binder that keeps the cheese mixture from totally running away when baked. Then, you’ll need about 1 1/2 pounds of mozzarella—and listen closely—you need to grate half of it now for the layers, and save the other half for the glorious top!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Alright, let’s put this beautiful Ground Beef Pasta Bake together. Follow these steps, and you’ll have that comforting, cheesy goodness ready in about an hour total. Grab your big pot and your casserole dish!

Building the Flavorful Meat Sauce

First things first: get that olive oil humming in a pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic until they start to soften up—maybe 5 minutes. Now, add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Break it up well and cook until it’s completely browned. Once it’s done, absolutely drain off most of the fat, but leave a tiny bit for flavor! A little fat equals a lot of flavor, you know?

Next, pour in your canned tomatoes (juice and all!), the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and pepper flakes—plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring that whole mixture to a gentle simmer. You want this simmering uncovered for a good 25 to 30 minutes. This long simmer lets all those flavors really get to know each other. Once it’s done simmering, you need to scoop out about 3 to 4 cups of that finished meat sauce into a separate bowl and let that bowl cool down a bit while you work on the cheese. This reserved sauce is for layering later!

Preparing the Ricotta Cheese Layer

While the sauce is cooling down a bit, get a mixing bowl ready. Combine your 15 oz. of ricotta—I always use whole milk for creaminess—with 2 cups of that grated mozzarella, the half cup of parmesan, and that single egg. Just stir it gently a couple of times. Seriously, don’t over-mix this! You just want it barely streaked together. If you whip it too hard, it gets tough, and we want creamy layers, not rubbery ones.

Assembling and Baking Your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Preheat your oven now to 375°F. Make sure your pasta is drained well and rinsed cool—remember, it’s undercooked on purpose! Dump the drained ziti right into the bowl with your ricotta mixture and toss briefly. Then pour in that cooled meat sauce and mix everything together until it’s coated. This is your main pasta mixture. You can find a great example of a similar approach over at The Pioneer Woman if you need visual help!

Now for assembly in your large casserole dish. Spread half of your coated pasta mix on the bottom. Spoon half of the remaining plain meat sauce over that, and then sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella on top. Repeat—the rest of the pasta, the rest of the sauce, and the last of the mozzarella—it’s like making layers of cheesy heaven! Bake this glorious creation until you see it bubbling hot, usually about 20 minutes. When it comes out, you must let it stand for 5 minutes—this resting time lets those layers settle. Then, sprinkle with fresh parsley and dive in!

Tips for Success with Your Ground Beef Pasta Bake

Even with a simple recipe like this Cheesy Baked Pasta, a few little tricks can take it from good to absolutely unforgettable. I learned these the hard way, so you don’t have to!

Pasta Cooking Precision

I mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: do not cook the ziti all the way! Undercooking by at least two minutes from what the box suggests is vital. If you cook it perfectly on the stovetop, it will turn to complete mush when it bakes for 20 minutes under all that heavy cheese and sauce. It needs that oven time to absorb flavor and firm up.

Achieving the Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta Top

When you think you’re running low on mozzarella, stop! You absolutely need enough of that last cup of mozzarella saved just for the very top layer. If you mix it all in, the top crust won’t get that beautiful golden brown color and slight chewiness that makes the first scoop of this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef so satisfying. We want a perfect crust!

Make Ahead and Freezer Friendly Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

This recipe totally understands that sometimes life gets messy, and you need dinner done ahead of time. That’s why this Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a champion meal prep option. If you assemble the whole thing—pasta, cheese, sauce, everything—in the casserole dish but skip the final bake, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for up to two days. When dinnertime hits, just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time.

If you’re planning way ahead, this freezes beautifully! Cover the unbaked dish securely. When using it straight from the freezer, you’re looking at maybe 60 to 75 minutes total in the oven, but test it around the hour mark. We do this all the time for easy nights. Meal prepping is life when you have a busy family!

Ingredient Substitutions for Baked Ziti

One of the best things about Italian classics is how flexible they are. If you’re missing something, don’t panic! You can easily adapt this recipe to what you have in the pantry.

Gluten-Free Pasta Choices

If you are swapping to gluten-free pasta—which, as you know, I highly recommend if you need to—the most important thing is checking the cooking time. Gluten-free varieties, especially those made from lentils or beans, can break down fast. Cook them even shorter than regular pasta and rinse them really well with cold water. They tend to soak up more sauce while sitting, so don’t worry if the mixture looks a tad looser straight out of the mixing bowl.

For the meat? Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or even vegetarian crumbles if you’re doing meatless Monday! Just add a bit more fennel seed or Italian seasoning to boost the flavor back up.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cheesy Baked Pasta

Can I use different pasta shapes besides ziti?

Oh, absolutely! Ziti is traditional because those tubes catch the sauce perfectly, but penne is fantastic, and rigatoni works like a charm too! Anything with a scoop or hole in the middle grabs that sauce and cheese nicely. Just stick to medium shapes.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?

That usually happens during the first stage. Make sure you let your meat sauce simmer for the full 25–30 minutes uncovered so excess water cooks off. Also, draining the fat very well before you add the tomatoes helps. Less liquid in the sauce means less runny cheese later!

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating is simple, but you have to be gentle! The cheese can get dry when it reheats. If you’re microwaving a single portion, splash just a tiny bit of water or some leftover broth over the top before covering it and heating. That steam brings the moisture right back into the noodles.

Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

A dish this hearty really sings when you pair it with something light and green. You don’t need anything complicated! A simple green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat beautifully. And, of course, you absolutely need some crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping up every last bit of that extra sauce you saved!

Nutritional Estimates for This Ground Beef Pasta Bake

Since we’re cooking for the family, I usually don’t sweat the exact macros too much, but here are some general ballpark estimates for one of the 8 servings. Keep in mind that using leaner beef or switching to whole wheat pasta—or gluten-free—will change these numbers a bit!

• Calories: Approx. 580-650 kcal
• Fat: Approx. 30g
• Protein: Approx. 38g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 45g

Please remember these are just estimates for this standard recipe. For exact figures, you’d want to input your specific ingredient brands into a tracker, naturally!

Share Your Family’s Comfort Food Moments

I truly hope this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef brings as much comfort to your dinner table as it does to mine. It’s more than just pasta; it’s about making memories right there in the kitchen. If you give this recipe a try, I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Leave me a comment down below with your rating, or tag me on social media when you share a picture of your finished Ground Beef Pasta Bake. Happy cooking, friends!

Why This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is Your New Family Favorite

This isn’t just another pasta bake, trust me. It’s the one you’ll remember and return to again and again because it meets you right where you are—whether you’re slammed on a Tuesday or need a dish for the big game. It’s truly satisfying because it blends that classic comfort with real-world ease!

Quick Prep for Busy Weeknights

We’re talking only 20 minutes of actual active work before it heads into the oven! You can get the sauce going while the water boils for the pasta. It’s fast, so you can spend less time stirring and more time with the little monsters!

Adaptable for Dietary Needs

Because I’ve had to get creative in my own kitchen, I always make sure this recipe offers total flexibility. Swapping out the noodles for your favorite gluten-free blend is super simple. You don’t lose any of that essential flavor or texture, which is key when you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions. Check out more ideas for comforting dinners if you’re looking for inspiration!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

When you’re making a dish this classic, the quality of the ingredients really shines through. I’ve laid out everything you need below, broken down by what goes where. Don’t stress too much; we are going for flavor, not perfection here!

For the Hearty Meat Sauce

• We start with a mix: one pound of good Italian sausage and one pound of ground beef. That combination gives the sauce depth you just can’t get from one meat alone!
• Don’t forget the aromatics—a diced large onion and three minced garlic cloves cooked in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until they smell amazing. That’s where the base flavor sets up!
• For the tomatoes, grab one 28 oz. can of whole tomatoes, making sure to include all that wonderful juice. Then, use two 14.5 oz. cans of simple tomato sauce or marinara—whatever you have on hand works great here.
• Season generously! I always use 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and a good pinch of red pepper flakes for a little background warmth. Salt and black pepper go in last, just to taste.

For the Pasta and Cheese Mixture

This is where the richness happens! You’ll need 16 ounces of ziti or even penne. The critical thing here is to cook your pasta until it’s not quite al dente—it needs to be slightly firm because it’s going to finish cooking in the oven. If it’s soft now, it will be mush later! Don’t forget to rinse it under cool water after draining to stop the cooking process right away.

For the cheese, we mix 15 oz. of whole milk ricotta, half a cup of parmesan, and one egg. That egg is the secret binder that keeps the cheese mixture from totally running away when baked. Then, you’ll need about 1 1/2 pounds of mozzarella—and listen closely—you need to grate half of it now for the layers, and save the other half for the glorious top! Remember to save this recipe for easy reference, maybe check out these other hearty inspiration ideas while you’re gathering your supplies!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Now for the fun part: making this incredible Ground Beef Pasta Bake! We are going to build a sauce that sings and layer it up until it’s so cheesy it barely stays in the dish. Grab your big pot and your casserole dish, and let’s get cooking!

Building the Flavorful Meat Sauce

First things first: get that olive oil humming in a pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic until they start to soften up—maybe 5 minutes. Now, add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Break it up well and cook until it’s completely browned. Once it’s done, absolutely drain off most of the fat, but leave a tiny bit for flavor! A little fat equals a lot of flavor, you know?

Next, pour in your canned tomatoes (juice and all!), the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and pepper flakes—plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring that whole mixture to a gentle simmer. You want this simmering uncovered for a good 25 to 30 minutes. This long simmer lets all those flavors really get to know each other. Once it’s done simmering, you need to scoop out about 3 to 4 cups of that finished meat sauce into a separate bowl and let that bowl cool down a bit while you work on the cheese. This reserved sauce is for layering later! If you need inspiration on rustic Italian cooking, I always check out sources like The Pioneer Woman.

Preparing the Ricotta Cheese Layer

While that reserved sauce is cooling, get a mixing bowl ready. Combine your 15 oz. of ricotta—I always use whole milk for creaminess—with 2 cups of that grated mozzarella, the half cup of parmesan, and that single egg. Just stir it gently a couple of times! Seriously, do not over-mix this! You just want it barely streaked together. If you whip it too hard, that ricotta gets tough, and we want creamy layers, not rubbery ones. That texture difference is going to make your Cheesy Baked Pasta so much better.

Assembling and Baking Your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Preheat your oven right now to 375°F. Make sure your pasta is drained well and rinsed cool—remember, it’s undercooked on purpose! Dump the drained ziti right into the bowl with your ricotta mixture and toss briefly. Then pour in that cooled meat sauce and mix everything together until it’s coated. This is your main pasta mixture. Don’t forget to check out some other great dinner ideas while you wait!

Now for assembly in your large casserole dish. Spread half of your coated pasta mix on the bottom. Spoon half of the remaining plain meat sauce over that, and then sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella on top. Repeat—the rest of the pasta, the rest of the sauce, and the last of the mozzarella! Bake this glorious creation until you see it bubbling hot, usually about 20 minutes. When it comes out, you absolutely must let it stand for 5 minutes—this resting time lets those layers settle beautifully. Then, sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Tips for Success with Your Ground Beef Pasta Bake

Even with a simple recipe like this Cheesy Baked Pasta, a few little tricks can take it from good to absolutely unforgettable. I learned these the hard way, so you don’t have to! We want that perfect balance of tender pasta and rich, gooey cheese, not a mushy mess, right?

Pasta Cooking Precision

I mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: do not cook the ziti all the way! Undercooking by at least two minutes from what the box suggests is vital. If you cook it perfectly on the stovetop, it will turn to complete mush when it bakes for 20 minutes under all that heavy cheese and sauce. It needs that oven time to absorb flavor and firm up properly.

And listen, if you are using a gluten-free pasta blend, cook it even less than you think you should. Those alternative flours break down faster, so pull them out early and give them a good cold rinse. It’s amazing how much better the texture is when you follow this little bit of expertise. If you’re interested in learning more about my gluten-free baking adventures, definitely check that out!

Achieving the Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta Top

When you think you’re running low on mozzarella, stop! You absolutely need enough of that last cup of mozzarella saved just for the very top layer. If you mix it all in, the top crust won’t get that beautiful golden brown color and slight chewiness that makes the first scoop of this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef so satisfying. We want a perfect crust that snaps just a little when you cut into it!

Also, make sure whatever cheese you use for the topping—whether it’s fresh mozzarella or a blend—is at room temperature before it goes on the casserole. Cold cheese takes longer to melt evenly, and we don’t want that baked center boiling over while the edges stay pale. A little bit of warmth goes a long way!

Make Ahead and Freezer Friendly Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

This recipe totally understands that sometimes life gets messy, and you need dinner done ahead of time. That’s why this Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a champion meal prep option. If you assemble the whole thing—pasta, cheese, sauce, everything—in the casserole dish but skip the final bake, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for up to two days. When dinnertime hits, just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time.

When I’m really on top of things (which isn’t often, ha!), I assemble the entire Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, cover it tightly twice, and send it straight into the deep freeze. When using it straight from the freezer, you’re looking at maybe 60 to 75 minutes total in the oven, but test it around the hour mark. We do this all the time for easy nights. Check out meal prep ideas to make your week even smoother!

Ingredient Substitutions for Baked Ziti

One of the best things about those classic Italian dishes is how flexible they are. Don’t worry if you’re missing one specific thing; you can easily adapt this amazing recipe to what you already have in the pantry. That’s what home cooking is all about—making do with love!

For the meat layer, if you aren’t using the Italian sausage and ground beef combo, you have options. Ground turkey works great, but you have to punch up the flavor slightly since turkey is leaner. Add an extra teaspoon of fennel seed or red pepper flakes to make sure that sauce doesn’t taste flat. Or, if your family is leaning meatless, grab some plant-based crumbles! Just brown those according to package directions and use them exactly where you would use the ground beef.

When it comes to the cheese, feel free to mix up your Italian blend! If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano gives a nice sharp counterpoint to the mozzarella. Just watch the salt, because Pecorino is saltier!

Gluten-Free Pasta Choices

Because I’ve had to navigate this myself after my youngest son’s diagnosis, I can tell you that gluten-free pasta options nowadays are fantastic. You can use anything made from brown rice, corn, or even lentil or chickpea mixes. They all behave a little differently, so you need to be watchful!

My biggest tip for GF pasta in bakes like this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is to cook it even shorter than the package suggests, maybe cooking it for only half the time listed. It needs structure before it goes into that oven! When you rinse it, make sure the water is quite cold. This stops the cooking immediately and helps the starches set up a bit, so they don’t turn to complete goo under all that great sauce. You can find more ideas on adapting all sorts of pasta dishes on the site!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cheesy Baked Pasta

I get so many great questions when folks try this recipe for the first time, and honestly, the most common ones pop up right here! We want to make sure your experience making this delicious comfort food is flawless. If you ever need to get in touch with me about any recipe woes, you can always reach out here!

Can I use different pasta shapes besides ziti?

Yes, you absolutely can! Ziti is the traditional choice because those little tubes are just perfect for catching sauce and those bits of ricotta, but don’t feel locked into it. Penne pasta works like a dream because it has those ridges that grab the meaty sauce. Rigatoni is also great for the same reason. Honestly, any sturdy, medium-sized tube pasta will hold up beautifully to all that cheese and baking time, so use what you have!

How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?

This is a super common issue, especially when you are making a big batch of Ground Beef Pasta Bake like this! The key is actually in the simmering. You must let that meat sauce simmer for the full 25 to 30 minutes *uncovered*. This allows the water from the tomatoes and vegetables to evaporate slowly. Also, make absolutely sure you cook the fat out of the sausage and beef and drain it really well before adding the liquids in!

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Leftovers are the best part, right? But when pasta sits in the fridge, it soaks up all the liquid, and reheating can dry it out fast. To bring that Cheesy Baked Pasta back to life, don’t just microwave the piece plain. Sprinkle just a teaspoon or two of water or a little bit of leftover broth right over the top before you cover it loosely with a paper towel. That little bit of steam works wonders to rehydrate the noodles and melt the cheese just right. It takes no time at all!

Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

You’ve just pulled this huge, bubbling casserole of comfort out of the oven, and now you need to decide what goes alongside it, right? A dish this rich and hearty really sings when you pair it with something light and fresh to balance it out. Don’t make it complicated; you deserve a break after assembling this masterpiece!

The absolute classic, and my go-to suggestion? A huge, simple green salad. We’re talking crisp romaine or mixed greens dressed with just a drizzle of good olive oil and a sharp, tangy vinaigrette—maybe some red wine vinegar tossed in there. That acidity just cuts right through the richness of the mozzarella and the savory ground beef layer so you don’t feel weighed down.

And of course, we can’t forget the bread! You *must* have crusty bread on the table. Garlic bread is the obvious winner here, but even just a fresh baguette will do. You need something sturdy enough for dipping up every single last bit of that extra sauce you saved from the cooking process. Seriously, make sure there’s room on everyone’s plate for dipping!

If you’re looking for a few more quick ideas alongside your pasta night, check out these pasta dinner inspiration ideas. Keep it easy, keep it delicious!

Nutritional Estimates for This Ground Beef Pasta Bake

Now, listen, I’m a cook, not a certified dietitian! I know when you’re making a huge batch of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef for the family, you usually aren’t counting every single calorie, but it’s helpful to have a general idea what’s in that glorious casserole. These numbers are just my best estimates based on using standard ingredients—like regular milk ricotta and that mix of Italian sausage and ground beef. If you use leaner meats or sneak in gluten-free pasta, these figures will shift, of course!

This information is based on dividing the entire recipe into 8 hearty servings. Keep in mind that every scoop is a little different, so think of this as a helpful guide rather than gospel truth. You can always plug your exact ingredients into a tracker if you need precise numbers for sensitive diets.

• Calories: Approx. 580-650 kcal
• Fat: Approx. 30g (Yes, it’s cheesy! That’s flavor!)
• Protein: Approx. 38g (Thanks to all that meat!)
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 45g

If you’re worried about making changes, you can always learn more about data privacy and tracking over at my privacy policy page, but truly, for comfort food, just enjoy the moment! This Ground Beef Pasta Bake is worth every single bite!

Share Your Family’s Comfort Food Moments

Whew! We made it to the end. I truly hope this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef brings as much wonderful, warm comfort to your dinner table as it has to mine over the years. It’s more than just noodles and cheese, you know? It’s about slowing down for a minute and sharing something lovingly made with the people you care about.

I always love knowing when a recipe like this gets put to work in another kitchen! If you tried making this ultimate Ground Beef Pasta Bake, please, please come back and drop a rating for me. Five stars if it made your house smell amazing, right? And if something surprised you, or if you made a fantastic little substitution of your own, leave a comment below—we home cooks have to stick together!

If you snap a picture of your bubbly, golden Cheesy Baked Pasta creation, tag me on social media! I never get tired of seeing my recipes making memories elsewhere. If you want to check out even more of the recipes that inspire my cooking life, browse my main recipe inspiration page for more ideas!

Thank you so much for cooking with me today. Happy eating!